Controller

Summary

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Business & Finance and Chief Financial Officer, the Controller serves as the College's lead for all accounting matters and is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of the institution's financial records and reporting. The Controller provides strategic leadership over accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, audit, and compliance functions, ensuring the College's financial operations align with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements, and institutional policies.

As a senior member of the Finance leadership team, the Controller partners closely with the CFO and campus stakeholders to support institutional decision-making, strengthen financial stewardship, and enhance operational effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Reporting

• Direct and oversee the preparation of daily, monthly, annual, and ad hoc financial statements and management reports, including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and journal entry review.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all internal and external financial reports and filings, including Form 990 and Form 990-T.
• Facilitate and manage the fiscal year-end close process, ensuring adherence to established timelines and accounting standards.

Governance, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Establish, maintain, and continuously evaluate effective internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and best practice standards.
• Monitor evolving accounting standards, regulatory guidance, and industry trends; recommend and implement necessary policy or procedural updates.
• Lead and coordinate the College's annual external financial audit, serving as primary liaison with auditors and ensuring successful, timely completion.

Endowment, Grants & Restricted Funds

• Maintain comprehensive records related to the College's endowment, including quarterly market value calculations, annuity valuations, income distributions, and oversight of the Fundriver endowment management system.
• Direct accounting and reporting for federal and state grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements and timely, accurate submissions.
• Collaborate with Development and Alumni Engagement and the Office of Financial Aid to ensure endowed scholarships and restricted gifts are properly recorded, awarded, monitored, and reported.

Systems, Data Integrity & Infrastructure

• Oversee the maintenance, integrity, and enhancement of ERP and financial reporting systems, including accounting platforms, Synoptix, and Informer.
• Manage and administer the College's chart of accounts to support accurate reporting, transparency, and analytical flexibility.
• Ensure financial data supports cash flow analysis, forecasting, and long-term financial planning in partnership with the CFO.

People & Operational Management

• Provide leadership and supervision to accounting, student accounts, and accounts payable staff, including goal setting, performance management, delegation, and professional development.
• Evaluate business processes and accounting workflows to improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and reduce institutional risk.
• Contribute to the development of departmental and institutional short- and long-term financial objectives.

Strategic Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Vice President for Business & Finance / CFO and senior leadership on accounting, compliance, audit, and financial risk matters.
• Support institution-wide initiatives requiring financial analysis, policy interpretation, or reporting guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Business & Finance / CFO.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (6) years of progressive accounting experience.
• Demonstrated experience preparing GAAP financial statements and managing external audits.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Preferred:

• Experience in not-for-profit or higher education accounting environments.
• Master's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

Supervisory Duties

This position requires supervisory duties.

Disclaimer

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the position.

Job Description Status

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Washington & Jefferson College reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Application Instructions

Apply for this job at . Please submit a cover letter and resume. It is recommended that all documents be in PDF format and uploaded at one time. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Employee Benefits

Washington & Jefferson College offers a comprehensive benefit package for benefit eligible employees; including health, vision, and dental coverage, group life insurance, AD&D and LTD coverage, retirement plan, generous leave time, and the tuition benefit programs. These benefits add significantly to the employee's total compensation package.

Getting to Know W&J

Washington & Jefferson College is the best of both worlds: a small-town college setting in historic Washington, Pa., with easy access to the bustling business and cultural districts of nearby Pittsburgh, Pa. just 30 miles to the north. Founded in 1781, W&J College is a private, residential liberal arts college that is focused on student success. Our dedicated, experienced professors are passionate about teaching and work closely with our students to ensure that they receive a quality, comprehensive education. For more than 200 years, our alumni have influenced change in business, politics, medicine, and the arts and sciences as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, researchers, writers, teachers, and in many other equally worthy professions.

Celebrating Community

Washington & Jefferson College welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to participate in a diverse educational community. The College strives to be a place where all students, faculty, administrators and employees are able to live, study and work in an atmosphere free from bias and harassment. The College encourages civil debate and lively exchange of ideas in the belief that such exchanges promote understanding that will grow beyond simple tolerance of difference to embracing and celebrating the richness of diversity. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.